Papyrus
Cyperus papyrus
The Bulrush of The Bible, Nile Grass, Paper Reed, Papirus, Papierriet (Afr.)
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A wetland clump-forming plant with tall bare stems and a mop-like crown or head of thread-like leaves or spikelets. It can grow up to 5m tall and heavy heads bed downwards under their own weight. They occur naturally in swamps and wetlands throughout Africa and some Mediterranean countries. It is used as building material and the rhizomes can be eaten raw or cooked. A wetland plant for gardens, adding height to the landscape.
This is a common feature plant.
ZA Distribution: KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga.
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Planning
Difficulty
Easy
Flowering time
Summer
Fruiting time
Summer, Autumn
Harvesting
The roots are harvested for consumption by humans. Divisions and new shoots can be removed in spring time for propagation purposes.
Propagation
Division
Divide the rhizomes and replant.
Rhizomes
Divide the thick rhizomes with stems cut back and replant in wet soil.
Seed
Sow seed in Spring.
Special features
Attracts birds
Birds use the tuffs as material for nest building.
Pot plant
Planting it in a pot in a pond will help to contain it to one area.
Wet sites
Well suited to grow in wetlands.
Attractive leaves
The leaves make interesting soft balls at the end of long stems.
Special features
Origin
Africa
Natural climate
Wetlands in temperate and subtropical regions.
Environment
Light
Full Sun
Soil moisture
Wet
Soil type
Sand, Loam, Clay
Soil PH preference
Neutral
Frost hardiness
Tender
Uses
Ornamental
Makes a good feature plant near water.
Raw material
In Ancient Egypt, papyrus was used for various of purposes such as baskets, sandals, blankets, medicine, incense, and boats. The woody root was used to make bowls and utensils, and was burned for fuel.
Edible
The roots are edible raw or cooked.
Environmental value
It has environmental value. With the quantities it grows in and having its roots in the water, it plays an important role in the cleaning of the environment and regulation of the ecosystem.
Personality
Family
Cyperaceae
Flower colour
Brown, Insignificant
Scent
None
Problems
Problem free
Companion plants
Credits
Cyperus papyrus
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by Clare Archer, National Herbarium, Pretoria, May 2004 (Copyright South African National Biodiversity Institute, South Africa)
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